Integrating the Web Into Everyday Reference Services

Reference librarians are just beginning to appreciate the value of using
the World Wide Web for reference. With this new practice, however, comes
the greater challenge of fully integrating the Web into reference desk
service. This workshop focuses on the practical steps necessary to
achieve that aim including:

examining which types of information are more likely to be found on
the Web than in traditional print sources;

facilitating the use of the Web for ready reference by creating a
Virtual Ready Reference Shelf with new and familiar reference tools;

the need for librarians to spend time becoming familiar with the
electronic stacks;

the application of both traditional and new selection criteria to
electronic collection development as well as the necessity of helping
users evaluate for themselves the information they find; and

when and how to use Web search tools and how to develop effective
search strategies.

This workshop is ideal for those librarians that are already using the
Web at the Reference Desk or for those who may be considering it.
Participants will apply the ideas that are presented in a hands-on
computer classroom, with exercises designed to simulate real reference
situations.